the Straight Angle

july 4

2010-07-04T15:52:00.002-04:00

One more reason to love Roberta's, seriously. As if their awesome pizzas weren't enough.

tiki promo f ck from Falco Productions on Vimeo.

I'm off to a July 4th bbq party with some work peeps. Eating and drinking with people who do it for a living. Happy 4th to all!

Goooooaaaallll

2010-06-18T11:06:00.004-04:00

I've been watching every game of the World Cup for the last week. USA just scored, so to celebrate here's a beautiful diagram from the NY Times.

This year's ball is supposed to be more aerodynamic and "wobble resistant". I, personally, would trade this year's ball for the 1970 Mexico ball, no doubt.

Holy Rollers

2010-06-10T23:02:00.007-04:00

I first heard of the film "Holy Rollers" about a month ago, when it debuted as a part of this season's Rooftop Film Series. I was immediately intrigued. Living in South Williamsburg, I've long since marveled at my community, where a strange co-existence of die-hard borinquens, stereotypical "hipsters", and Orthodox Jews collide. On sweltering summer sundays, it's not atypical to step out of my house and see little brown boys playing in the street under a spewing fire hydrant, 20-somethings in jean shorts and tiny tank tops whizzing by on their bikes, all while a gaggle of men dressed head to toe in black walk by on their way from Service. By far I am the most spellbound by the men in black, and the secret lives I imagine them hiding from me.

It's the same voyeuristic tendencies of mine that make waiting at the platform of JMZ train's Marcy stop in my neighborhood (specifically, around 10 in the mornings on weekdays) a fulfilling dose of anthropological self-education. Opting against my usual subway reads, I find it to be prime time to conduct my personal analyses of what it means to be a Hasidic Jewish woman. Almost always in duos, I note their identical brown hair-dos cropped to their shoulders, wearing neutral palettes of blacks, browns, and whites, faint traces of makeup and shiny lip gloss that are the only indications they are indeed from the 21st century. They are never without a brood of children, and always pushing one stroller, all while they speak to each other with hushed voices in their heavy accents that impart a large Hebrew and simultaneously Brooklyn influence. I yearn to hear everything they are saying, but they've seemed to have mastered the art of speaking in hushed voices.

This insulation, the things that I can't hear, is what keeps me amazed. Especially amidst today's ever-permeating world of information technology and mass consumption and flamboyantly displayed identities. I can barely resist a taco when I'm walking past the taco truck, how are these women and men resistant to modern American culture?!

Holy Rollers, to me, is a movie which is able to address these mysteries, the very same ones I see cloaked underneath a sea of browns and blacks. Taking a slice of the rich Jewish culture (or, is it religion? how can culture and religion be so intertwined as it is?) found in Brooklyn and like any good film, creating a twisted story of what lies beneath the surface of an otherwise modest appearance. Judging from the trailer and its synopses, Holy Rollers reveals the impurities and imperfections and corruptions that we know lie in the heart of every community, every culture, every religion. You know, the stuff we can actually relate to.

I wonder how many people this offends. And how many people it educates.

A Little Slice of Paradise

2010-06-09T15:54:00.003-04:00

Doing my usual round of facebook stalking this afternoon, I came across a few pictures that an old co-worker posted of her backyard. It's not the perfectly manicured backyard oasis' we see in Home & Garden, but for some reason it's so perfect in a little Brooklyn backyard.

(if only people knew I stole from their facebook albums and blogged about them.)

I wish I were so lucky!

Color Collective

2010-06-09T15:24:00.002-04:00

I love this blog! It's so simple, but so visually appealing. It makes me wish I were a design rockstar. Here are a few of my favorites:

Thinking of colors a lot lately, since the room I'm about to move into looks, at the moment, like it belongs in the low-security ward of a mental institution. A fresh coat of paint should do the job just fine. I'm thinking along the lines of maybe a dusty grey, shades of green, taupes, and maybe...just maybe....a bright pop of orange or fuschia??

On a separate note, when I googled for the exact address of this blog, I googled "Coller collective" and couldn't figure out why it didn't pop up right away. Sheesh! I swear, my brain is turning into mush.

Change, part II

2010-06-08T22:35:00.005-04:00

speaking of changes, I cut my hair today.

The story of Jessie's hair is now like this: long, short, really long, short, long, really short! short, medium length, short!!

I found High Horse Salon just walking down the street. I am pretty sure I walked by for two months without ever noticing it, and finally, about a month ago, saw the new little sandwichboard which drew me in. From then on, each time I walked by (it's on my way to the L train) I wanted to peek my head in, but just kept walking. But with last week's dreadfully hot and humid weather, coupled by the urging of the Boy to chop it all off, I decided it was time to cut the hair again. When I first moved around here I went to Woodley and Bunny, but have been tossed around from stylist to stylist there and never really loved any of them. Plus, they gave me good enough haircuts, but for more than it was worth. I decided that I'd finally check my neighbors at High Horse out...With only two chairs and (I presume) two stylists, and charging a cash-only amount of $60 a cut, clean, vintage-feeling, and airy, it was perfect for me. My hair is so easy to cut, what could possibly go wrong, I figured.

I know that this is when stories typically take a turn for the worse, and I am glad to report that they did not. I am excited my foolishness to spring on a new salon, without knowing too much about it, paid off. It makes the thrill of the new cut even better! I loved Kristie, who cut my hair. She gave me exactly what I wanted, without me even knowing it. I could see my face change as my hair was snipped off, and my smile grew wider and wider as my hair grew (metaphorically speaking) shorter and shorter. I felt so silly, beaming in the chair like that, but you know- that's exactly why I grow out my hair only to cut it again.

Because it's really the best feeling in the world.

Lessons in Domestic Science

2010-06-08T20:38:00.006-04:00

I have been visiting DC every couple of weeks now since that's where the Boy lives, that is perhaps in part why the radio silence has persisted on this blog. I've since made DC almost a second home, where I build the same sort of routines that I cherish here in Brooklyn. Boy lives in Dupont Circle, where there's certainly no lack of things to do and a New Yorkishly accessibility to get things done. While most stores in dc close by the depressing hour of 1-pm, the 24-hour CVS pharmacy keeps the circle pumping with nightlife. Unfortunately, I'm only partially kidding.

But getting on, One thing that I almost always do when I am in DC is stop into Second Story Books. Located on the increasingly-posh strip of P Street that cuts across the circle, it's the Beacon's Closet of Bookstore. No, wait, it's slightly classier than Beacon's Closet, it's like... the Edith Machinist of Bookstores. With quite an eccentric group of personalities that work behind the desk- One day, it's a heaving 500 pound man with his butt glued to the rolling office chair, the next a elfish 20-something girl wearing a onesie, and once again, a studious rail-thin and stretched out carbon copy of Dwayne Wayne (from A Different World!). It's seriously bizarre, but somehow fitting in the bookstore. The bookstore carries the rarest of hard-to-find gems, copies of Goodnight, Moon seemingly teleported from their original publication date. Divided into sections (History: World War I. Cultural: Armenia. Cultural: Pre-colonail British), the bookstore is mostly a collection of non-fiction works, a place where you can get lost in any land, any culture, any story that's every been written.

I go for their lone food shelf. well, one-and-a-half shelves, technically. One full of cookbooks, the other half of food and cultural writings. I hit that, and have managed to find such jewels as Frank Bruni's recent memoir Born Round (didn't like it, more on that later I suppose), Harold McGee's essential On Food and Cooking, the James Beard on Pasta (check out those illustrations, for reals) book- not as seminole as Beard on Bread, but I'm on the lookout!) - and most recently, Ruth Reichl's Comfort Me With Apples. But my FAVORITE find has been this, Twenty Lessons in Domestic Science, originally published in 1916by Marian Cole Fisher.

A lady in a petticoat, punching on a typewriter with her glasses falling to her nose to pen this "lesson book" is exactly the image that is conjured when I flip through its contents. To get a full scope of its contents you need not turn further than the table of contents, where, rather than chapters, the book is divided into "Lessons". Lesson II is entirely devoted to "LEAVENING AGENTS", among them (in order listed) - Baking Powder, Acid Phosphate, Cost of Baking Powder, How to Measure, Leavening Agents....(and more!). Mostly an almanac of cooking rather than a recipe book, this small, 108-page hardcover pretty thoroughly = covers every food group, why we should eat, what we should eat, and where we should get our raw materials from. It's, I imagine, everything the traditional housewife should have known. The book also references the Department of Agriculture in Washington, D.C. more than once through the course of the book- leading me to imagine what sort of campaigns our government was trying to enact in the 40s, and the 50s, perhaps when this book may have been its most popular.

I don't think I'll be taking this book too seriously, but it does provide such an interesting peek into the history of our culture. Plus, the diagrams are pretty f'ing amazing.

Change.

2010-06-07T09:43:00.000-04:00

I'm a huge believer that every 3-6 months, everyone experiences a good amount of change. It's like our version of shedding skin. But it certainly ebbs an flows, lots of things happen at once and the they draw back into hiding for another several months.

For me, it's my time of change, I can feel it in my bones! So friends and family, I'm moving. Just a little further into Brooklyn is all, but in New York especially, any move is a monumental one. It's like, how can I pack up all my things which are jammed into this little space, and figure out how to get them into that other little space less than a mile away? It doesn't sound hard, but if you lived here you'd definitely understand where the head scratching commences.

It's a bittersweet deal for me, since my current roommates have been nothing but butter and baconfat to me. (In my world, that's close to godliness). I've spent more time here than any place since I've moved out of my parents house to go to college, so I know that I'll leave with a slightly heavy heart. Then again, I'll be living in the perfectly befitting (for me) area of Carroll Gardens, surrounded by friends and brownstones and the Frankie's empire and ice cream parlors. So, I don't think I'll be sad for too long.

Quote Bags

2010-05-21T12:50:00.006-04:00

And now, I bring to you yet another completely superflous post.

How great are these bags, from a small, Bankok-based couple making individually-crafted totes. Perfect for summer! I am itching to get my hands on one.

Check out their past designs, inspirations, processes, all on their blogger website, here.

And while we're on the subject of handmade etsy finds, if you're in a rather spunky mood check out these Etsy FAILS, on regretsy.com!

Anita Tijoux

2010-05-04T11:11:00.002-04:00

Check her out.

Because she's beautiful, kicks ass, and is the epitome of the rapping chilean rockstaress that I wish I could be.

spoiled rotten

2010-04-21T20:20:00.003-04:00

Last night I was treated to the most magnificent birthday dinner, ever. Here is what I had- at least, what I remember of it. A ten-course food extravaganza!!!

Ko menu, 4/20/10:

Octopus salad, xo sauce (amuse)

Seared diver scallop, meyer lemon curd, fennel (amuse)

pepper biscuit and chicharrones

Carpaccio, __cheese,

Brioche w/ marrow, lemon confit, sorrel in gruyere and comte broth

Soft boiled egg, caviar, potato chips, onion confit

Hand torn pasta, chicken and snail sausage

Almond crusted skate wing

Lychee, riesling gelee, peanut brittle, SHAVED FOIE

Duck breast, mustard greens, honey braised turnips, pumpernickel

Spiced wine sorbet, asian pear

Pretzel flan, mustard gummies, root beer sorbet, caraway

I'm on my way out the door to have dinner at Blue Hill. Il Buco on Saturday, Ko on Tuesday, and Blue Hill on Wednesday? My stomach is never going to be the same again.

ko tonight!

2010-04-20T16:30:00.003-04:00

I am going to Ko tonight. Will tell you all about it tomorrow; if I talk any more about it today I will spontaenoulsy combust with anticipation.

Thanks, DC, for the best bday dinner invite EVER!

(excuse the ghetto graphic. it's the only image of ko that i could find/steal)

JF and Son

2010-04-16T11:44:00.004-04:00

I pass by the JF & Son storefront everyday as I'm walking home from the gym. (And when I say everyday, I mean every day that I decide to get my arse to the gym...) NoLita is side-by-side packed with cute little boutiques, so many that my head spins with an exhilarating consumer glee. But this little boutique, slightly out of the way on the border of Chinatown on the corner of Elizabeth and Kenmare, always stands out to me. Their menswear-inspired cuts and abundance of blues, whites, and stripes are super hip right now, and it's those are two trends I'm hoping will last.

Those bucket totes would make cute summer packs, no? Check out the JF & Son blog, here!

Bario-Neal

2010-04-14T16:40:00.004-04:00

This is yet another swooning entry about beautiful gold ring. I found Philly-based Bario-Neal's work via a post on Snippet & Ink (yes, another wedding blog. doh!) They do a load of one-of-a-kind pieces (almost all their stuff, in fact, looks to be custom) that is not only blingin'-gorgeous, but ethically and environmentally sound. How awesome is that?

Check out their blog, here.

How to get on The Selby

2010-04-13T10:20:00.009-04:00

Remember me talking about the Selby awhile back? As I was doing my blog-browsing (for which I, once again, wistfully dream to get paid for) I came across this fun, quirky, Selb-ish illustration for a 'how to' guide on how to get on the Selby. I love things that poke fun at itself and are uber-ironic, and this is perfectly those two things.

ok. I know this image is totally lame, but I'm unable to figure out how to enlarge it- so click on the link below to actually see it.

via Refinery 29

Baja style

2010-04-12T22:56:00.006-04:00

I am craving a good fish taco. A perfectly battered, wonderfully dressed Baja style fish taco. Only perfect with some sort of tangy tartar-ish sauce, shredded cabbage and lime. I haven't had a good one in YEARS! Maybe this recipe from Saveur is worth a try? Anyone know where I can get a good one in NY?

{update! 4/14/10: I heard last night that the taco truck at Union pool serves up the best tacos in the city! Can't wait to try them!}

Justin Anderson

2010-04-12T22:31:00.005-04:00

Justin makes beautiful work- he can do things with polaroids that I've never seen anyone do before. His stuff is exquisite in scale, subject matter, and simplicity- and that description ain't just for alliterative purposes, it's the truth. Going tomorrow night to check out his show in the 'burg, won't you come with! There's music too (although, DC and I might skip out on go to Diner instead, why does that not surprise you?)

Cameo Gallery

93 N. 6th Street

Art opening 6-8

Music performance @ 9

The Baker's Dozen

2010-04-12T22:24:00.009-04:00

I'm back, and for my not-quite-inaugural post, I'm offering a link to the James Beard Foundation's top thirteen baking cookbooks. I've recently come into acquisition of a few new books, and though have none of these, would like all of these.

1. “Baking: From My Home to Yours,” by Dorie Greenspan (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2006).
2. “Beard on Bread,” by James Beard (originally published 1973; reprinted by Knopf, 1995).
3. “The Book of Great Desserts,” by Maida Heatter (Andrews McMeel, 1999).
4. “The Bread Baker’s Apprentice,” by Peter Reinhart (Ten Speed, 2001).
5. “The Cake Bible,” by Rose Levy Beranbaum (William Morrow, 1988).
6. “Classic Home Desserts,” by Richard Sax (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2000).
7. “Cocolat,” by Alice Medrich (Warner Books, 1990).
8. “The Fannie Farmer Baking Book,” by Marion Cunningham (Gramercy, 1996).
9. “Great Pies and Tarts,” by Carole Walter (Clarkson Potter, 1998).
10. “The Italian Baker,” by Carol Field (William Morrow, 1985).
11. “Martha Stewart’s Cookies,” by Martha Stewart (Clarkson Potter, 2008).
12. “My Bread,” by Jim Lahey (W.W. Norton, 2009).
13. “The Simple Art of Perfect Baking,” by Flo Braker (Chronicle, 2003).

via NY Mag.

Spring

2010-04-09T15:16:00.002-04:00

Spring has officially sprung inside my home. It's amazing how April affects even the poorest-lit, least-watered life forms.

And, for all you green-thumbs out there with a decent amount of window-sill space, check this tutorial out on how to start your own seedlings!

Heritage Radio

2010-03-20T15:59:00.002-04:00

Broadcast five days a week out of the little shack in Roberta's backyard, Brooklyn's pirate radio station, Heritage Radio, focuses on all sorts aspects of the food industry- my kind of radio station.

One broadcast that really stuck with me was a panel discussion on the Future of Food Writing, hosted by Edible editor Rachel Wharton. It's a breezy half-hour easy listen on food publications, blogging, new strategies in food writing, and what's happening in the industry as a whole (and how it's made public).

Go here for a listen.

It wasn't the best day.

2010-03-02T00:10:00.003-05:00

But I can find solace in the fact that, at least, there are others out there, as there always are.

Today is a Good Day. Officially.

2010-02-27T00:46:00.004-05:00

One way to identify a New York woman is to look at her computer history. Other than 10am visits to the Momofuku website and noon visits to Gilt Groupe's homepage, one can undoubtedly find the first-of-the-month visits to Susan Miller's monthly predictions. Despite our multicultural differences and religious disbeliefs (as well as blatant intolerance for fluff), New Yorkers have somehow enabled astrology to explain the unexplainable, legitimize the illogical, and create a world of candy where concrete once stood. Somehow, silently and unanimously, New York women have bowed to the mercy of Susan Miller's predictions.

I am one of those women. 2010 looks to be a positive year for me. Mercury is going to spin out of retrograde (finally!) and it looks like my luck just might turn in terms of career, love, money..... (shit, that's the trifecta of life, right? yesssss) More specifically, Feb. 27th is supposed to be the best darned day of my year. And guess what, it's good for you, too. And you. And you. And you, over there. By my calculations, if 2010 is a good year, and the 27th is the best day out of the year, then shoot- isn't today supposed to be like, the best day of our lives?! That's a lot of pressure.

I'm not going to buy myself an entire bodega's worth of lotto tickets or anything. In fact, I think I'm going to wake up late, have some oatmeal, stick with my original plans for the afternoon, and then tag along with LF at night to a party in Red Hook. Astrology, like love and like bowling, is one of those things where in order for the situation to turn out good- to turn out as "planned"- one can't possibly focus on the end. The more you think about bowling a strike, the more you're gonna gutter that big ol' ball of yours.

So, drink a beer, loosen up, and granny-chuck your way to a ten pin victory. Cheers to the day!

White Air

2010-02-24T18:29:00.003-05:00

I know I'm about a week too late with this news- and with a sport as fast-changing as snowboarding, it may mean I'm ages behind- but I just saw the clip of Shaun White's gold medal halfpipe runs. Upon very first glance, all I could think was how much air this kid gets under his board. He must be 20 feet up above the ground! And his Supersize Megameal Combo Deluxe McTwisty trick that he does- the one that's got all the mountain tops apraise- is anti-gravity, I just can't grasp how he does it.

Above all else, what struck me as truly deserving of a medal, was his interview following his runs. Not your average boarding brosef, White defied all my traditionally held stereotypes by carrying himself with such poise and eloquence and big-time sincerity. For reals. Plus, it warmed my heart that he gave a shout-out to his pups, who apparently was watching him alongside the rest of the clan.

Edible: The Book

2010-02-24T14:28:00.006-05:00

I'm so excited. I love the Edible Communities; it's without a doubt one of my favorite publications (In fact, I've been daydreaming about writing for them....living the life of a food-obsessed community-oriented rogue....but that's another story). After reading about the release of their new book today- chock full I'm sure with recipes, heartwarming stories, local heroes, and juicy pictures, I absolutely cannot wait until May arrives.

FoodPrint

2010-02-23T20:33:00.004-05:00

I am going to food geek out this weekend and go to these lectures about the Culture of food in the city, and where it stands looking into the future. Join me?

avatars on ice

2010-02-20T20:08:00.005-05:00

So, um, there was an avatar on the ice last night in the ice dancing competition in Vancouver.

Does anyone else see this?

Snowmageddon...

2010-02-20T19:41:00.003-05:00

Snowpocalypse, snownami....

The list of cheeky names is endless for the blizzard that hit DC and the east coast about a week back. It covered the city in a blanket of snow that is now, sadly, only puddles and ugly mounds of brown ice.

Since moving to the East Coast, I have realized that scarves and hats aren't just for flair, they are actually an important part of winter wear. As are a pair of waterproof boots. I stumbled upon these THESE recently, and have (yet again) fallen in love:

Can't you see yourself winning a snowball fight wearing a pair of these?

Three Philosophers

2010-02-18T15:44:00.001-05:00

If you haven't tried this beer, I HIGHLY recommend it. I have been obsessed with this beer lately, and can't stop drinking it. Er, maybe that's a problem?

I first heard of this beer at work, and ever since have seen it (thankfully) just about everywhere- from restaurants in DC to my local grocery store. Ommegang Brewery is located in upstate New York, where it seems like many a great alcohol is being produced. From what I've learned in some basic internet research, the Belgian-style based brews are the Brewery's specialty, and just based on their website alone, they seem to infuse so much care and attention to each batch that is produced.

Back to the star of this blog post- the drink is so rich, so complex, so luscious. Chocolaty, Cherry infused, malty and smooth, I can picture it served both extra cold or, as I prefer, closer to room temperature, and perfect with cheeses, red meats, and by itself as a digestif. I don't know if my Cali homies will have the pleasure of finding this beer around, and I'm not for the cross-country transportation (and the fossil fuel consumption that it requires) of foodstuff, but for Three Philosophers I might make an exception. It's just that damn good.

Weck

2010-02-11T22:05:00.001-05:00

I read about these Chicago-based canning jars in a subscription of Martha Stewart Living. Yes, I get Martha Stewart Living. So what.

They're not only gorgeous, but definitely live up to the hype that has become the home canning revolution. Can't wait to get my hands on a case of these.

iPhreak

2010-02-01T13:23:00.008-05:00

After two cracked screens and a couple of Russians (to be brief), a beloved boy I know gave me his iPhone. The wonders of unlocking phones still seems to perplex me- but like many things, I'd rather play dumb on that whole front.

After spending far too long on the phone with a TMobile customer representative who spoke to me like I was a 5-year-old (he attempted to describe what Apple was, and spelled out h-t-t-p-:-/-/, as if there is anyone in America who can't readily assume when someone says http://), I happily began customizing my phone. I spent almost all day Sunday getting a little app-happy. Any recommendations....?

Lapenne Grey Diamond

2010-01-29T09:20:00.000-05:00

Isn't she beautiful? And not out of my price range, either. (that's sarcasm, friends)

Mast on the Selby

2010-01-22T06:47:00.006-05:00

The title of this post will probably make absolutely no sense to most of you.

The Mast Brothers are an ultra-hip sensation based in Brooklyn (natch, Williamsburg. Woot.) who have been cultivating a strong following within the rising artisanal movement of bringing back trade work in the food production industry. I mean things like small farm milk and butter, local pickling productions, the return of the art of butchering, and in this case, bean to bar chocolate production.

The Selby is an online photo journalist (is it all right to call him that?) who, in my opinion, takes photos with an eye reminiscent of a love child of The Cobra Snake and Annie Leibovitz. Mostly pulled from the homes and spaces of rocks stars, artists, stylists (basically party all night, rock all day type of people) and cool young businesses, Tom Selby has capitalized on the art of photojournalism by indulging in our developed social stalking tendencies. Awesome. I love his website, get a kick out of the written interviews at the end of each entries, and pretty much fall in love with all the Australians on the website.

Check out the Mast Brothers on The Selby here.

Mohawk Online

2010-01-22T06:43:00.003-05:00

Excuse me, while I wipe the drool off this keyboard.

Mohawk Online

Also, I feel like I've been so removed lately. I got a job! More on that on a later date.....And don't fret. My job doesn't mean that funemployment is coming to an end....

Viktor & Rolf

2010-01-21T23:09:00.002-05:00

The 1% surrealist fairy nymph inside of me is fuh-reaking out over Viktor and Rolf's new designs. Whaaaa?

Read a little more about this on Refinery

New York Doormen

2010-01-18T10:26:00.003-05:00

NY Times has a cute (albeit, short) little photo piece on New York Doormen and their uniforms. I wish they had the time (or budget) to scout out more!

Interesting tidbit: Starting wage for these guys are $30,000-$40,000. Plus another $10k after overtime and bonuses!!!

Moleskine Recipe Books

2010-01-15T18:08:00.006-05:00

I hate referring to a computer when I'm cooking. So, even though my recipes usually sourced from various blogs or, almost ultimately, referenced from Epicurious, I like to write them down so when I spill half a box of baking soda, it will be my piece of paper that's going into the trash, not my keyboard that's going into the Apple store.

I just read that Moleskine is coming out with a new line of nifty notebooks in March- a lifestyle line, if you will, focusing on areas such as wine, fashion, film, books....and the one I'm keeping my eye on, recipes. Unfortunately, this new line that Moleskine has come up with bears the cheesy name Passions. Oh Moleskine, how can you disappoint me with such!

I'll have to see it in person to really be sold, for I'm a little hesitant in how they've pre-organized sections as well as spacing. But for the Amazon low price of $13.57, this might be a springtime splurge....especially if all is promising on the job front.

my sister rocks

2010-01-15T01:24:00.004-05:00

I wish I had enough sense to identity what I love to do in life, and actually do it. My little sister, graduating from the University of Michigan with a degree in Sport Management, is now living in Nashville working for the Predators. Check out some of her production reels. A modest start, yes, but that's really all it takes.

I'm so proud of her! I see a future filled with free sports gear and guest passes on the horizon....

Kogi article

2010-01-14T00:11:00.005-05:00

WSJ joins the Kogi craze, profiles the West Coast David Chang, calculates earnings of $2mil with a $90,000 take-home salary, and reports of a rice bowl restaurant for the masses.

Perfect Picnic Tote

2010-01-10T15:04:00.003-05:00

What a perfect picnic tote from Canvas. Dreaming of Summer beach picnics already....

Jobs in the next decade

2010-01-04T13:56:00.004-05:00

NPR Makes the best interactive graphs.

Jobs are bound to go up...eventually. Though economists predict it might take at least another decade, this NPR article claims that the U.S. will eventually create up to 15million jobs in the next ten years, with the Unemployment Rate dropping to 5%. A pretty big claim, I don't completely doubt that. What is interesting are the predictions of the markets where these jobs will open up. I guess, in a re-shaping economy, jobs bloom first in the lower paying, lesser qualified, least desirable sectors of the workforce.

Apparently, I should look into truck driving.

Another Bachelor?

2010-01-04T13:37:00.005-05:00

I can't believe this show has been on for 13 seasons! I must admit, I was sucked into last season of The Bachelorette... but I swear, it was mostly because I wanted to see how silly people can be, and because abc really does a fantastic job creating villains.

Here is a brilliantly written, super wry article on the upcoming season, titled "On the Wings of Love" (HA!) which premiers tonight. Oh goody, two hours of tv time featuring desperate 23 year old women with perfect hair and manicures (but who's judging?)

'The Bachelor' Puts Last Season's Really Big Cheeseball In The Line Of Fire
January 4, 2010

Bachelor Jake Pavelka takes his mission very seriously. (ABC)
by Linda Holmes

The Bachelor is one of the goofiest shows on television, it really must be said. Unlike shows that could be goofy or interesting depending on the execution -- Project Runway, for instance -- this show will always be goofy. It has goofiness embedded in its creative (well, "creative") DNA, and oddly, it has actually grown in popularity again recently.

It returns tonight, in what could be its most uncomfortable season ever.

The new Bachelor is Jake Pavelka, better known as "Jake The Pilot" from the most recent season of The Bachelorette. Jake -- in addition to being a one-time actor who has managed to play a young Chuck Norris twice -- is one of the corniest cornballs the show has ever husked.

Despite having the flat good looks of a guy you might find in any good collection of stock photography, and despite having a good job (pilot!) and a defiantly unobjectionable personality, Jake was dumped last season by Bachelorette Jillian Harris, who had been dumped in the previous season by Jason Mesnick, who had been dumped in the previous season by DeAnna Pappas, who had been dumped in the previous season by Brad Womack, who wound up on this show for unknown reasons that he almost surely curses daily. It's the ciiiiiiiircle of liiiife!

For the rest of the article, head over to NPR.

US output.

2010-01-04T13:30:00.002-05:00

The Indians put out way more than anyone else.

For commentary, go here.

Happy 2010!

2009-12-30T16:28:00.000-05:00

Going down to SoCal for New Years Eve. Seeya all next year...Peace!!

Ann Taylor

2009-12-29T23:20:00.001-05:00

I haven't been as busy as some of my friends while at home, but I have managed to get out to Valley Fair to do a little window shopping (window drooling and yearning, is more like it).

Is it just me, or has Ann Taylor stepped it up a notch? Or, maybe I'm turning into my mom. Eeek! Whatever it is, Ann Taylor, and Ann Taylor Loft's holiday/SS10 collection has a ton of pieces that I'd love to have in my closet.

(The yellow blouse on the top left is my FAVORITE.)

Truckee xmas 2009

2009-12-26T17:10:00.003-05:00

As it happens, I left a snowy winter wonderland only to find myself immediately placed in another, 3000 miles away. As we did last year, my mom, dad, sister and I packed up our VW and made the trek out HWY 80 to Truckee, a little snowy village just Northwest of Tahoe and Southwest of Reno. This xmas trip came and went with lots of home cooked food and tv movies, just like every other year - but not without any casualties. Unfortunately my sister lost her phone on the slopes, I lost a pair of ski goggles, my dad busted his knee and I my shoulder.

Looks like my mom was right to stay at home with the dog and the tv.

Chilly and Chili

2009-12-22T11:09:00.002-05:00

As usual, I am leaving wintery New York to go back to California for the holidays. I'll be home for extra long this time, until the 7th, because yes I am still unemployed.

As a parting gift, New York dumped a couple feet of snow this weekend. B and I went out on Saturday night, amidst the blizzard, to romp and roll in the snow. Slightly underdressed, I became quite ornery quite quickly, but it was a thrill while it lasted.

The best part? We came back home, wet with melted snow and cold to our bones, to find the magical elves had miraculously finished our pot of Green Pork Chili. er, Stew. Chili? Whatever it was, yummmmmm.

GREEN PORK CHILI w/ TOMATOES
(adapted from Epicurious recipe)

Ingredients:
8 Poblano peppers

2.5 pounds pork butt strips, trimmed, cut into 1-inch pieces
3 tablespoons all purpose flour
3 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 large onion, chopped
2 leeks, cleaned and sliced
6 garlic cloves, chopped
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tsp allspice
1/2 tsp paprika
5 cups chicken stock or canned low-salt chicken broth
1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes in juice
3 small vine tomatoes

Char chilies over gas flame or in broiler until blackened on all sides. Enclose in paper bag; let stand 10 minutes. Peel and seed chilies. Cut into 1-inch pieces.

Place pork in large bowl. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add flour and toss to coat. Heat 4 tablespoons oil in heavy large wide pot over high heat. Working in batches and adding more oil as needed, cook pork until brown on all sides, about 6 minutes per batch. Using slotted spoon, transfer pork to large bowl.

Reduce heat to medium. Add onions and leeks to same pot and stir until tender, about 6 minutes. Add garlic, oregano, cumin, allspice, and paprika; stir 2 minutes. Return pork and any accumulated juices to pot; add stock, chilies and tomatoes with juices and bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer on LOW uncovered until chili thickens and meat is very tender, stirring occasionally, about 2 hours. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Sperry in the winter

2009-12-20T10:53:00.004-05:00

Sperry topsiders, known to me for their infamous boat shoes, has made some sort of deal with JCrew and is selling these AMAZING duck boots online and in their catalogs. I don't know how I'm going to get my hands (feet) on some, but seeing there's only size 11 left online, I need to be crafty and find my way into a pair. I want to dance in the snow in these.

Sing Off

2009-12-16T15:47:00.006-05:00

This show is 95% really horrible and 5% really great. Here's an example of the latter:

Kitchen envy

2009-12-11T16:02:00.003-05:00

Don't worry, I'm still here. I haven't frozen to death. Yet.

I've been very very productive this week- I got myself a Brooklyn Public Library card, which I am very proud of. I did a lot of yoga and am getting into an almost-daily morning practice. And I've been doing tons of thinking and brainstorming about a new business idea....even met with a friend last night to discuss the nitty gritty. All in all, not a terribly stagnant week (despite this weather)

I've also been, as per usual, combing the blog circuit. I don't know why I feel compelled to share this image, but I really love the feel of this kitchen.

The Fun Theory

2009-12-02T10:45:00.004-05:00

I'm a little confused about who the masterminds are behind this (is it really volkswagen? some innovative swedish design firm? elves?), but whoever it is needs to take over the world.

On the website are a series of videos all under the mantra "The Fun Theory", showing how slight modifications to mundane objects can help save the world, a little at a time. The world CAN be more recycled, more litter free, and more exercised. And in watching, you just can't help but smile.

Thanks mom for sending this. And Vickie, for reminding me to post, too.

20x200

2009-12-02T10:27:00.004-05:00

I've been a fan of 20x200 for awhile. Using the website as both a platform to expose young and emerging artists as well as providing a wide array of artworks for any consumer level, this website was borne as an offshoot to founder Jen Bekman's Gallery. One photo and one work on paper is released each week, at 2pm every Tuesday and Wednesday, and are on sale until Sold Out. Sometimes they are genius, sometimes they fall short, but so is art. Each work always has at least three size options, the cheapest being $20 and the largest $200 (hence the website name), making anyone a viable collector of art. The quality, even for the little pieces, are great- all works are printed with high quality inks and on the finest paper specified by each artist.

I'm fond of the most recent release (pictured in this post), but am afraid to get it as I know it will just look cluttered in my already sparse wall space :(

Also make sure to check out the Jen Bekman Gallery, in the LES.

New Spoon Album

2009-12-01T11:00:00.000-05:00

In promoting their highly anticipated January release of the latest album Transference, Spoon was featured on this week's All Songs Considered on NPR. Norah Jones was also previewed, touting a slightly more rock-ish sound than past records. Am excited to hear both new albums come 2010.

Go here and click on the link to have a listen.

Avec Alan

2009-11-24T20:30:00.002-05:00

I encourage you all to check out this video of Alan Richman and Eric Ripert going on a field trip to Costco...and then discussing the results of their suburbian forage:

A few of my favorite parts:

Eric Ripert saying "Costco". I never knew Costco could sound quite so charming.

Mini quiches. Don't ask me how many times I have had these same Costco mini-quiches in my youth. So many I can't answer.

Eric Ripert commenting that "...in that store [Costco], nothing looks like it's coming from Planet Earth". And then later calling it, lovingly, the "Evil Empire"

Alan Richman looking like a very disheveled Albert Einstein (I mean, can't he at least tuck in his shirt?)

Tuesday afternoon hodgepodge

2009-11-24T14:37:00.007-05:00

Lots of fun random links to share, after catching up with my RSS feeds this morning...

Making your own butter. I am definitely going to give this a go for Thanksgiving dinner.

via EatMakeRead

New ramen joint in Greenpoint. Previously exclusive, now inclusive. I wonder if it will be any good...

Roald Dahl loved chocolate candy bars and Beethoven. Big heaving sigh for still not having gone seen the Fantastic Mr. Fox! (Maybe this weekend)

100 rooms, all 100 square feet. Man, I thought living in NY was tight quarters....

Michael Wolf photography via Apartment Therapy.

I am such a sucker for fine stationary. Here's my newest fave, Rifle Paper Co.

They're all over the interweb on all the blogs!

I was recently gifted a jar of this honey, from BeeRaw honey (based in New York). Orgasmically decadent.

Finally, a shoe diary. Just what every girl needs.

from Elle Blog via Cup of Jo

Dining Trends Article

2009-11-23T19:04:00.002-05:00

Dining Trend Forecasts for the next year make me realize that I'm a food snob.

It could be worse.

John Robshaw

2009-11-18T12:04:00.004-05:00

DC introduced me to John Robshaw sometime last year.

Artsy, free, patterned prints in bold colors, sheets and covers and quilts that are warm, soft, sturdy, and thick- all at the same time. The bold, Eastern-inspired prints are not for everyone, nor for every room, but I really love them all. Sample sale, TODAY (sorry for the late notice!)!!!

I haven't been able to create the lifestyle where I can outfit all my beds with his linens (and by all, I mean one.) definitely not at full retail and perhaps not even anything today. But who knows, maybe I'll be able to snag a pillowcase or two at this sale.

John Robshaw Sample Sale

245 West 29th Street, 11th Floor

@ 29th and 8th.

TODAY! until 8:30pm

mystery field trip

2009-11-15T12:37:00.004-05:00

I have a secret.

It's one of my favorite little hole-in-the-wall businesses that I'm going to share with you. Can you guess what goes on here?:

Hmm. Mysterious slop. What could it be?

It's Tofu! See the little blocks, all lined up and ready to be put into bags for us? And, do you see their brothers and sisters, waiting in the metal vat, floating in all their splendid tofu juice?

If you ever find yourself in San Jose, definitely make your way down to the San Jose Tofu Company, in downtown SJ's Japantown. It will change your tofu-eating life, forever.

San Jose Tofu Company
175 Jackson Street
San Jose, CA 95112
Telephone: (408) 292-7026

Apartment Therapy's Marketplace

2009-11-04T15:21:00.004-05:00

Apartment Therapy is where I go to dream about my future indoor spaces. So many pretty paints, fabrics, textiles, beddings, furniture, antiques, storage ideas...and more!

They've just opened up their "marketplace", where readers will be able to source all the lovely sorts of things they feature on their blogs (and more). Just from looking at it, I am thinking it's kind of like an Etsy but specifically for home design. Brilliant!

Now if only I had the apartment to furnish...

Fall in the Burg

2009-11-03T12:09:00.004-05:00

Over-exposed camera phone pic. Doing the best I could to capture the feeling of the moment.

Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies

2009-11-02T18:59:00.006-05:00

I spent the afternoon today at Donna's with her and Coco, cooking and hanging out (what else do we do?). Donna holds Martha in high regard (rightfully so) and we decided to whip up a batch of chocolate chip cookies that she had bookmarked in last month's Everyday Food magazine.

As the name of the recipe attests, these are the ultimate chocolate chip cookies, gooey in the middle and slightly crisp on the edges, buttery and sugary and chocolaty. Just like a chocolate chip cookie should be. The recipe is quite large and seems like a huge amount of butter sugar chocolate and butter, so I guess it would be okay halved, but what's the harm in having a stash of frozen chocolate chip cookie dough in the fridge? And really, after tasting how good these come out of the oven, they probably won't be going in the freezer.

Prep time: about 15 minutes

Makes 2 dozen cookies

Adapted from Martha Stewart's recipe

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/4 tsp. baking soda

1 1/4 tsp. baking powder

2 tsp. salt

2 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature

1 1/2 cups packed light-brown sugar

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract

1 1/4 cups milk chocolate chips

8 oz. semisweet chocolate, chopped (use a good kind!)

1. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Arrange oven racks to upper and lower thirds of oven, preheat to 350 degrees.

2. In a bowl, whisk together the first four (dry) ingredients.

3. In a larger bowl using a mixer, beat together butter and both sugars until combined and light & fluffy. Reduce speed and beat in eggs, one at a time. Beat in vanilla. Mix in flour mixture in three batches until just incorporated; then fold in the chocolate chips and chocolate chunks.

4. Using a large spoon or better yet, a 1/4 cup ice cream scoop, drop dough onto lined baking sheets about 2-3 inches apart. You should have about 12 cookies. Store the remainder of the dough in the fridge for the time being.

5. Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden. Take the cookies out of the oven and let sit for 2 minutes on the baking sheets, then transfer to a wire rack to cool. After the pans cool down a little, bake the remaining dough using new parchment.

Martha's recipe originally calls to refrigerate all the dough for an hour before baking. Though I sure this will yield even fluffier and chewier cookies, we didn't have the patience for this. And guess what, I thought our cookies were just as chewy and fluffy as any I've ever tasted.

11/4/09 Update: Visit Donna's blog to see what other goodie we made that day!!!

Wexford Jewelers

2009-10-28T14:04:00.001-04:00

wow wow wowweeee.

Chrome released for Mac

2009-10-27T11:23:00.000-04:00

Google Chrome released for Mac

by Chris Rawson (RSS feed) on Oct 23rd 2009 at 5:30PM

Google has released an official developer preview of Google Chrome for the Mac. Rather than digging through nightly development builds, you can download the developer preview of the WebKit-based browser at Google's official webpage.

Chrome sports several features similar to Safari 4 in Snow Leopard, such as sandboxing - each tab runs as its own process, so if one crashes, it doesn't bring down the whole browser. It also sports the "tabs on top" interface present in some builds of the Safari 4 beta released earlier this year. Some people hated tabs on top in Safari, but others eventually got used to it and even missed the feature when it was omitted from the final release of Safari 4; if tabs on top is your thing, then Chrome has you covered.

Chrome supports importing bookmarks, settings, and history from whatever browser you're currently using, so if you're curious to see how it runs on a Mac, go ahead and give it a try. Let us know in the comments if you run into any issues.

[Via Tuaw via Download Squad]

spidey

2009-10-26T23:39:00.002-04:00

I am thinking of ordering one of these costumes. Just because. Don't bother asking why I'm internetting these things at 11:30 on a Monday evening, it's seriously not worth your time.

Tuthilltown Distillery/Hudson Valley Whiskey

2009-10-26T10:57:00.005-04:00

The torrential downpour Saturday night left some of the clearest, bluest skies I've yet to see in New York on Sunday morning.

What better day to take a trip upstate to see Fall foliage and, while we're at it, have a whiskey tour/tasting?

(View of the city from the Wburg bridge)

Tuthilltown (pronounced "Tuttle-town") Distilleries is about 90 miles out and up from New York City, with the nearest "big" town being New Paltz. It has some of the most gorgeous mountain ranges and is particularly known for their outdoor activities, most especially as a climbing mecca with some of the best climbers coming in from all over New York.

The Distillery, occupying a much smaller plot of land than expected (think small farm operation), was founded a mere six years ago by an entrepreneurial climber (Ralph) as more of an enthusiastic business idea rather than any sort of passed-down brewer's secret craft. What struck me the most was their dedication and particularity about their product, as well as their enthusiasm for the industry as a whole. Tuthilltown became the first whiskey distillers in the state of New York to produce in-house since prohibition. Respectably, they are also vehement in their efforts and largely responsible for passing bills allowing distilleries to have tasting rooms and sell on-location, as well as pushing for the DEA to recognize their industry as farms, rather than industrial plants.

My favorite part of Tuthilltown was seeing the bottling process. Although their production has doubled in the last two years (they aim to one day produce 30,000 gallons of whiskey a year), the distillery still makes it a point to hand-craft their product from start to finish. They purchase their grain and corn from a neighboring farm, make the whiskey in-house in old-fashioned looking distilling machines, store the moonshine in varying sizes of oak barrels depending on the batch, bottle each individual bottle by hand (including the wax seal, the label, and an individual HAND-WRITTEN number for each bottle that goes out) and distribute from the distillery.

Check out their 4-Grain Whiskey. It's by newest love.

Kombucha Kegger

2009-10-22T18:10:00.003-04:00

Are you on the kombucha train? As much as I hate to take part in anything that's a "what's hot" item, I am pretty into this. Not so much into the over-marketed $5 bottles of Kombucha that they sell at whole foods/at every deli in Brooklyn, but whatever, it's good stuff.

Now there's a local brewer of the fizzy fermented drink. There's a big party on Saturday at my local beer shoppe, Brouwerij Lane, to celebrate the very first keg of Kombucha. BYOG- bring your own Growlers! Amazing! As the flier notes, go in between 6-10pm and yell "Drink the Revolution!" and you'll get a free glass.

I'm there.

Brouwerij Lane

78 Greenpoint Avenue

Brooklyn 11222

Kombucha Kegger, 6-10pm

Papercraft

2009-10-19T02:38:00.007-04:00

Another amazing craft book find. I want this, but I know things like rent and bills are much more important than making miniature replicas of food out of construction paper.

From Amazon:

"Papercraft is an extensive and timely survey of innovative art and design work crafted from paper. It explores the astounding possibilities of paper craft in all shapes and sizes some are playful, whimsical and quick to produce while others are far more intricate and created in painstaking detail."

Found via Oh Happy Day! blog

J. Mendel

2009-10-19T02:28:00.001-04:00

Spring 2010. Yes, Please. All of these:

Found on Style via Green Wedding Shoes. Yes, I read wedding blogs.

plants and flowers

2009-10-15T20:49:00.002-04:00

Mom loves all things green. Take a look at what's around the house.

hump day

2009-10-14T19:59:00.006-04:00

peek-a-boo. The rain finally stopped today, the sun came out, and so did this little critter.

BHG

2009-10-13T15:07:00.001-04:00

Better Homes and Gardens vintage crafting book. On Amazon for a penny. Gonna get it.

Barnabas

2009-10-12T10:05:00.000-04:00

Many of you have had the pleasure of meeting Barnes. Some of you have not. Here's a snapshot of Mr. B, whose 4th birthday is in a couple days!

Painting

2009-10-11T15:14:00.000-04:00

From my art school days, hanging in the home.

Oil on Canvas, dims to be updated.

Chia Obama

2009-10-10T12:48:00.007-04:00

I almost forgot about this.

I flew JetBlue home this time, and while watching some DirectTV this infomercial came on. It was perhaps the best 30 seconds of my flight:

I am so happy to see that the chia pet, and its commercials, is making it's place in the aughts.

San Jose

2009-10-10T12:44:00.001-04:00

home for another week and a half. It's so quiet, so clean, so conservative and I'm actually kind of loving it. If you're around, let's do lunch.

Happy Birthday DC!

2009-10-04T19:10:00.004-04:00

so much good company, so much good food, so much boozy happiness.

DC Birthday

2009-10-01T12:44:00.004-04:00

I know I just briefly mentioned it in my last post, but I'm making a special note to say it's going to be a fete to remember. I'm hosting with the one and only ms. fergustuff; We've got the menu, decor, and of course a little gift, all planned out.

I'm inclined to share the menu and a lil' sneak peak with you all ahead of time, but for surprise's sake you'll just have to stay tuned....pics to come, too!!

Also visit DC's new blog! yay for new blogettes!

Pizza and beer pairing

2009-10-01T12:25:00.006-04:00

No, not papa john's and bud light. Pshaw, you think I would even dare post such a thing?

This Saturday, Jim Lahey (of Sullivan Street and no-knead bread fame) is hosting a pizza and beer pairing at his beloved restaurant, Co. Prounounced, "Company". I love pairings, food and drink especially, plus it usually indulges my preference of tasting a little bit of everything. And really there's something so magical about two people, each so knowledgeable about their own specific craft, coming together and creating beautiful yummiful harmony. Cue Hallelujah music.

Do I sound like a food freak yet?

The beer part of the pairing is brought to you by the lovely people over at Six Point Ales. Six Point, for all you Westcoasters, is a local Brooklyn brewery (woot woot Red Hook) that was born not to long ago, in 2004. They make some pretty kick ass local brews that can be found throughout the city, and you all know how I'm a fan of all things local. Not to mention, their website is stellar.

I have a prior engagement (DC's birthday! hooray!) but you can bet that if it weren't her, I would be in Chelsea on Saturday.

It's $35, pretty phenomenal for an afternoon of pizza and beer. Location, time, and RSVP info here.

Arepas

2009-09-27T13:52:00.003-04:00

There's a few places that I rotate in my arsenal of 'places to grub when friends come into town'. Caracas Arepas Bar is, in my opinion, tops. It's vying for the number one spot with Cafe Habana.

Arepas, you ask, what are they?! An arepa is a disc of a corn patty fried, then sliced open and stuffed with meaty, cheesy, salsa-y heaven. The Venezuelan brother of the pupusa, if you know what that is.

Anyway, Caracas Arepas Bar is the bomb. The arepas there come stuffed with a combination of things like friend plantains, pulled pork, guayanes cheese, chimi curri sauce, black beans, chorizo....and they have this sauce that's, I swear, laced with crack.

If you haven't try it, then you're missing out. There's one around the corner from my house...and it takes all my willpower not to have one everyday.

Gabe

2009-09-27T13:42:00.006-04:00

Old friend Gabe was in town this past week, and we had a couple of lovely Brooklyn days.

The Lovely ms. dauphine hanging out by the lake in Prospect Park.

Polite Sleeper Album Launce at Union Hall

Brunch at Egg. mmmmmmm.

Cheese or Font?

2009-09-26T13:52:00.001-04:00

Richelieu? Crowdie? Ubriaco? Manslem? Livarot?

PLAY HERE! It's addictive. Just like cheese.

Kandinsky @ Guggenheim

2009-09-19T10:11:00.002-04:00

Cannot WAIT to check out the show. Our friend Roberta Smith gives it a very respectable review.

Computer Fail

2009-09-19T10:03:00.005-04:00

RIP Powerbook G4. You were so good to me over the years. You let me do so much to you and never complained.

So now, my tech-starved self is in the market for a new laptop.

This is what I want.

This is more like what I will have to end up getting.

But you know, once you go Mac, you can never go back.

yoga + unemployment

2009-09-13T15:52:00.001-04:00

I'm not the only one.

Clive Murphy @ Magnan Projects

2009-09-12T14:08:00.009-04:00

Going to stop by Clive's opening on Friday at Magnan Projects. Clive's work is always larger than life, sometimes in terms of size and other times in terms of ideas.

Plus I hear there's going to be a goat roast. Yes, a goat. On a spit. Over a fire. In the middle of a New York sidewalk. At an art opening.

A must-see event.

Magnan Projects
317 10th Avenue
NY NY 10001

Birthday Clip for Laura K

2009-09-11T14:33:00.004-04:00

A pretty little flower clip for little Laura K. Now, if I can muster enough energy to make a twin clip for her twin sister....

These scrunched fabric flowers are replacing my yarn flowers as 'flair of the moment'.

I'm not talented, I just know how to follow directions. Thank goodness for the interweb.

Vandals

2009-09-11T14:29:00.002-04:00

Thursday morning tidbits

2009-09-10T11:28:00.007-04:00

So many things this morning.

First of all, yoga in the morning is the bomb.

Next, can we please give a woot to this amazing website? I am a sucker for typography.

Then, let's talk about THIS. (Or, for a better picture but the same thing, THIS) I will be visiting my friend MC, who lives around the corner, much more often.

Finally, can everyone look at my new shoes? The Bensimon is the Parisian's answer to the Converse. They're comfortable and will make you look cooler, I swear. At least, that's what I tell myself when I'm struttin' the streets of W'burg. And psst! Here's a secret: On uber-sale for $9.99 at Urban!

Have a good day y'all.

Nashville

2009-09-09T23:18:00.010-04:00

So many little weekend trips in my (extended) summer vacation...I'm having a hard time keeping up! A few pics from my road trip from Detroit-->Nashville:

A striking building in empty, lonely, downtown Detroit. Love the colored windows.

Aren't water towers just some of the most beautiful things? This bulbous artificial sustaining form amidst so much green.

Something you'd expect to see at a truck stop in the middle of Indiana, no?

Clouds, clouds, so many clouds! And no mountains in sight.

Just a groovy little shoppe in Nashville. The End.

labor day weekend

2009-09-09T23:08:00.004-04:00

Time well spent with good people and good food. Another DC trip in the books.

Amazing photoshop job courtesy of Fergustuff

eggplants

2009-09-08T21:03:00.003-04:00

Women Artists in the post-YBA era

2009-09-03T13:11:00.003-04:00

Artkrush/Flavorpill does a slideshow feature highlighting the new (relatively speaking) big women artists of this next "generation". The new Cecily Browns, Lisa Yuskavages, Tracy Emins, etc.

To tell you the truth, I am not as overwhelmingly inspired as I thought I would be. Then again, the works are not as blantant and in-your-face as I expected, these women artists seem to have taken a much more subtle stance in their art and aesthetics. I especially like the works of Katie Paterson, Hannah Starkey, and Tomma Abts.

Check out the slideshow HERE

Lisa Hanawalt

2009-09-02T22:45:00.004-04:00

I went to school with Lisa.

She makes good stuff.

I saw her new book this weekend, which she says is coming out this month. It looks ah-mazing.

CNN outs Annoying Facebook Users

2009-09-02T18:34:00.004-04:00

this amazingly irrelevant article by CNN describes the 12 most annoying types of Facebookers. Quite brilliant. Ahhh, the internet generation.

The Let-Me-Tell-You-Every-Detail-of-My-Day Bore. "I'm waking up." "I had Wheaties for breakfast." "I'm bored at work." "I'm stuck in traffic." You're kidding! How fascinating! No moment is too mundane for some people to broadcast unsolicited to the world. Just because you have 432 Facebook friends doesn't mean we all want to know when you're waiting for the bus.
The Self-Promoter. OK, so we've probably all posted at least once about some achievement. And sure, maybe your friends really do want to read the fascinating article you wrote about beet farming. But when almost EVERY update is a link to your blog, your poetry reading, your 10k results or your art show, you sound like a bragger or a self-centered careerist.
The Friend-Padder. The average Facebook user has 120 friends on the site. Schmoozers and social butterflies -- you know, the ones who make lifelong pals on the subway -- might reasonably have 300 or 400. But 1,000 "friends?" Unless you're George Clooney or just won the lottery, no one has that many. That's just showing off.
The Town Crier. "Michael Jackson is dead!!!" You heard it from me first! Me, and the 213,000 other people who all saw it on TMZ. These Matt Drudge wannabes are the reason many of us learn of breaking news not from TV or news sites but from online social networks. In their rush to trumpet the news, these people also spread rumors, half-truths and innuendo. No, Jeff Goldblum did not plunge to his death from a New Zealand cliff.
The TMIer. "Brad is heading to Walgreens to buy something for these pesky hemorrhoids." Boundaries of privacy and decorum don't seem to exist for these too-much-information updaters, who unabashedly offer up details about their sex lives, marital troubles and bodily functions. Thanks for sharing.
The Bad Grammarian. "So sad about Fara Fauset but Im so gladd its friday yippe". Yes, I know the punctuation rules are different in the digital world. And, no, no one likes a spelling-Nazi schoolmarm. But you sound like a moron.
The Sympathy-Baiter. "Barbara is feeling sad today." "Man, am I glad that's over." "Jim could really use some good news about now." Like anglers hunting for fish, these sad sacks cast out their hooks -- baited with vague tales of woe -- in the hopes of landing concerned responses. Genuine bad news is one thing, but these manipulative posts are just pleas for attention.
The Lurker. The Peeping Toms of Facebook, these voyeurs are too cautious, or maybe too lazy, to update their status or write on your wall. But once in a while, you'll be talking to them and they'll mention something you posted, so you know they're on your page, hiding in the shadows. It's just a little creepy.
The Crank. These curmudgeons, like the trolls who spew hate in blog comments, never met something they couldn't complain about. "Carl isn't really that impressed with idiots who don't realize how idiotic they are." [Actual status update.] Keep spreading the love.
The Paparazzo. Ever visit your Facebook page and discover that someone's posted a photo of you from last weekend's party -- a photo you didn't authorize and haven't even seen? You'd really rather not have to explain to your mom why you were leering like a drunken hyena and French-kissing a bottle of Jagermeister.
The Obscurist. "If not now then when?" "You'll see..." "Grist for the mill." "John is, small world." "Dave thought he was immune, but no. No, he is not." [Actual status updates, all.] Sorry, but you're not being mysterious -- just nonsensical.
The Chronic Inviter. "Support my cause. Sign my petition. Play Mafia Wars with me. Which 'Star Trek' character are you? Here are the 'Top 5 cars I have personally owned.' Here are '25 Things About Me.' Here's a drink. What drink are you? We're related! I took the 'What President Are You?' quiz and found out I'm Millard Fillmore! What president are you?"

New addition

2009-09-02T13:48:00.002-04:00

Thanks, streets of Williamsburg, for our new bookcase. Looks good in the home.

I got a Fergustuff!!!

2009-09-02T13:22:00.001-04:00

I feel so special.

For more brilliant fergustuffs visit HERE

Burgers and Beer and Babes in Brooklyn

2009-09-02T13:17:00.003-04:00

Pound pound pound pound

That's my head right now. Last night was the perfect night, spent a beautiful Brooklyn evening clucking with three lovely ladies and a delicious burger and many many beverages.

yum.

back home

2009-08-26T19:11:00.004-04:00

I got home to NY this afternoon. good ole muggy smoggy cloudy crowded NY. After being away for a week in Nashville, I found myself so relieved to be back. As much as I appreciate the friendliness and spaciousness (and cheapness) of the rest of America, I'm so happy to be coastal again.

Anyway I am pooped. Was feeling super groggy but then came home to a bounty of veggies from our CSA this week. Hooray tomatoes!

I'm thinking ratatouille, via this great recipe from Bon Appetit last month. Is that weird? Ratatouille in the middle of a sweltering hot summer?

Nashville

2009-08-22T11:53:00.001-04:00

I'm in Nashville for the next week with my sister who has just made a move down here. We drove 600 miles from Ann Arbor, MI down through Indiana and Kentucky. Saw about 500 miles worth of corn fields, and it totally blew my mind. Also ate some big-ass plates of food. Heavy starchy eggy buttery cheesy food. Ahhhh good ole Middle America, how I am fascinated with thee.

Anyway stay tuned for lots of fun pictures of corn fields and sunsets. Will probably title it "What I did this summer, by Jessie Chien". It's been a busy month, will be even busier come Sept.

Peace from definitely not the Middle East.

Newsworthy?

2009-08-06T23:16:00.002-04:00

omg it's World Breastfeeding Week, I just found out from NBC 11 o'clock news.

Make sure to feed your breasts.